The portrayal of my recent comments on social media, out of context, does not accurately convey my views – I of course deeply regret any offence which may have been caused.
I am proud that we live in a community where local businesses are keen to help others and it is this widespread community spirit that has got us through the first wave of the pandemic.
The recent behaviour from a small but hostile element toward myself, my office staff and on social media has become aggressive and personally abusive, and we have been inundated with emails of an abhorrent nature. My door is always open however I will not work with personal attacks and threatening behaviour towards myself and my team.
I regularly work with local food banks and these have been in contact with me over an entirely different matter. I continue to work hard with these organisations and the wider community to ensure their voices are heard and I can represent any concerns.
Yesterday morning, I again met with the tourism and hospitality industry about what further steps they want parliamentarians to take to help them through the winter with my Devon colleagues. We agreed to work on their behalf to try to secure extra measures from the Treasury recognising how difficult this time is particularly for our hospitality industry. My first year as an MP has been an unusual one, however I have spent it championing our local businesses, families and our hospitality industry to ensure they get all the help necessary to get through this pandemic together.
